which would be nicer in March

has anyone been to both Naples and Miami in early March? which would be better for a beach vacation at that time of year?

which would be nicer in March

They are both great with regard to weather and beaches. The question is what type of vacation are you looking for?

Are you going with young children? Do you prefer the waves of the ocean or the peacefulness of the gulf?

They both offer great shopping and dining. Naples is much more laid back than Miami. What area in Miami are you considering?

which would be nicer in March

hi, thanks for the reply...I am going with my 20 year old daughter for her spring break...all we want is a nice beach with sunny weather..we don%26#39;t really get in the water much and we don%26#39;t need a nightlife...don%26#39;t really even need shopping and we wouldn%26#39;t be into going out to expensive restaurants though some shoppin and decent food would be nice...she just wants to get a tan is basically it...

Hi,

When I saw that your daughter was 20 I first thought Miami. It%26#39;s a lot more trendy but as I read on it seems as if you want a more relaxed atmosphere, so my opinion for you guys would definitely be Naples.

The beach at the pier or the beach at Vanderbilt would be perfect for you both. There are enough casual restaurants to eat at and Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, the Water Side Shoppes and Venetian Village. There is great and unique shopping at all of these places.

I will list some websites for you regarding shopping, dining and beaches for you to peruse and give you an idea of what%26#39;s it%26#39;s like.

http://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/

http://www.thirdstreetsouth.com/

http://www.watersideshops.net/

http://www.naples.com/village/

http://www.colliergov.net/Index.aspx?page=465

cs.naplesgov.com/parks/naples_pier/index.asp

Do you have any hotels in mind?

Hope this helps!

Annette

Annette

Thanks for the advice. I do not know anything about Naples so no, no hotels in mind but some that I looked at that are on the beach are extremely expensive. Do you know any on the beach that would not cost more than $200-250 per night for two people that are still nice? Also, I don%26#39;t want to have to rent a car so do you have any idea how we could get to and from the airport without it costing as much as a car rental anyway?

thanks for your help

Maria

You may have to fly into Fort Myers. Try Supershuttle id they offer transport to and from the airport.

If Naples beach hotels will be higher in March than the $200-250 limit you set, check into Fort Myers beach for better prices. Fort Myers Beach is more lively than Naples but is has retained more of the feeling of a laid-back vacation spot than Miami Beach. MB is the place to go if you like to go clubbing, if that is not a priority I would choose the Gulf Coast.

Mimi

Hi Maria,

Trying to stay within your budget driectly on the beach would be difficult but there are hotels that offer shutte service to and from the beach.

The Park Shore Resort is a very nice condo resort on a lake that offers free shuttle to and from the beach, which is only a few minute ride. I believe this would be within your budget. They are equipped with full kitchens. living rooms and bedrooms. I think this resort is a great alternative. There is a poolside pub on the property and a Publix supermarket nearby so you can pick up food for the room to have breakfast and snacks.

Another resort is Bellasera Resort, a sister hotel to Park Shore Resort. They might be slightly over budget though. This hotel is gorgeous and also offers shuttle service to the beach. The rooms here are also equipped with kitchens. The plus of this hotel is that it%26#39;s a tiny walk to Fifth Avenue South where there is lots of greats shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and lounges.

One other hotel that offers free shuttle to the beach is the Naples Hilton. You may be able to get this hotel within your budget, especially if you have a AAA or AARP card.

Here are the websites to these hotels for you to check out:

http://www.parkshorefl.com/

http://www.bellaseranaples.com/

http://www.hiltonnaples.com/

As for transportation from the airport, here is link from the Ft. Myers airport which lists all transportation options:

flylcpa.com/rsw/…ql_groundtransportation.php

Hope this helps!

Annette

I have stayed at The Park Shore several times in the past an loved my stay each time. They offer 1 as well as 2br apartments.

If you are staying Saturday to Saturday you can also try the Sandrift Club which is smaller property in Olde Naples just off Fifth Avenue. The offer 1 BR and 2 br apartments, have nice grounds, a heated pool and jacuzzi. Theyb are in walking distabnce to the beach and od course steps from Fifth Ave dining and shopping. Their website is www.sandriftclub.com.